While famous for its spectacular vistas, Banff is much more than just a pretty Rocky Mountain town.

It’s Canada’s first incorporated municipality in a national park, so while its population (just over 8,700) is limited, the town welcomes some 3.4 million visitors every year.

As one of the most important tourist sites in the country, Banff is particularly well serviced, with museums, heritage buildings, one of Canada’s leading performance arts schools, the world-renowned Banff School of Advanced Management, and of course, the unparalleled ski hills of the Rocky Mountains.

If looking to live in Banff, housing and accommodation can be limited, and more expensive than many other municipalities in Canada. People purchasing or renting housing may also be asked to provide proof indicating that they “need to reside” in Banff, meaning that they are employed or are studying in the park.

History

Like many communities in Canada, Banff’s fortunes were made with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1883. 

Three railway workers staked claim to the natural hot springs on the side of Sulphur Mountain, and one year later, former CPR Director Lord Steven christened the area after his birthplace, Scotland’s Banffshire.

By 1885, the CPR and the Canadian government were cooperating to promote he area as an international resort and spa, and three years later, the majestic Banff Springs Hotel opened for business.

Arts and Culture

Banff is most assuredly an arts town.

There are 13 renowned art galleries easily accessed in a walk around the town, while music, theatre and dance focus around the stages of the wonderful Banff Centre. 

The Banff Summer Arts Festival, which runs from May to August every year, is an especially good time to catch a show, while every year, filmmakers, cinephiles and mountaineers ascend on the town for the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festivals.

Recreation

There are hot springs and spas, gondolas, majestic mountain trails and wildlife, and nature tours. There’s hiking, camping, fishing, biking, golf, canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, skating, skiing, showshoeing, dog sledding and snow mobiling.

We’ve probably missed a few, but suffice to say, if you live in Banff, the Rocky Mountains are your playground, and there are plenty of rides.

Skiers and snowboarders especially take note: the area’s ski hills are among the world’s finest.

Schools

The very first public school was established in Banff in 1888 in a log cabin at the corner of Bear Street and Caribou Street. Today, Banff’s public schools – including Banff Elementary and Banff Community High School – are a part of the Canadian Rockies Public Schools system.

Banff’s adult population has a number of continuing education options, as well as world-class training in the arts and business leadership at The Banff Centre.

Transportation

Banff is about an hour and 15 minute’s drive west of Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway. Buses run regularly to the town from Calgary’s Greyhound Bus Station, as well as from the airport and major downtown hotels.

To get you around the town site, Banff’s Roam public transit bus system is Canada’s first hybrid bio-diesel/electric bus fleet.